Every float in the 104th annual Santa Claus Parade earned applause from the thousands of people lining Portage Avenue, but five were singled out for special honours.

This year's "Wow" award and the $500 prize for best in show went to the entry from Art City, the not-for-profit community art centre, which featured gigantic Styrofoam robots that were operated like puppets and drew gasps from the huge crowd as they marched up the avenue.

The "I" awards for most innovative and inspirational entries, which come with a $250 prize, went to Accurate Dorwin in the commercial category and MADD in the non-commercial category. The MADD float carried a sobering message -- a smashed-up vehicle to warn of the consequences of drinking and driving.

The "Ahh" awards for best combination of light and sound, which also carry a $250 award, went to Dynasty Bath & Kitchen in the commercial category and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in the non-commercial category.

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